Pak vs Zim: Haseebullah, Hasnain dropped ahead of 2nd ODI

Pakistan have made two changes to their squad for the second One-Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe as they aim to level the series after a heavy defeat in the opening match.

According to media reports, Abrar Ahmed and Tayyab Tahir have been brought into the team, replacing Haseebullah and Muhammad Hasnain. Both newcomers are set to make their debuts.

The changes come following Zimbabwe’s dominant performance in the first ODI, where they comfortably defeated Pakistan by a significant margin.

Pakistan’s playing XI will feature captain Muhammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafiq, and Kamran Ghulam, alongside the newly included duo of Abrar Ahmed and Tayyab Tahir. The team will also include Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Niazi, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, and Faisal Akram.

Zimbabwe’s squad for the second ODI include, Joylord Gumbie, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Dion Myers, Craig Ervine(c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, Faraz Akram, Clive Madande, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Tinotenda Maposa.

Also Read: Recap: Bumrah and Siraj close out first test against Australia

Chevrons currently lead the three-match series 1-0, and Pakistan will be hoping for a strong response to keep their series hopes alive. The second ODI promises to be a crucial clash as both sides prepare to battle for the win.

In the first ODI played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo against Zimbabwe, Green Shirts won the toss and chose to field.

Zimbabwe set a revised target of 206 runs for Pakistan after rain disrupted play. Pakistan’s chase faltered as they managed only 60 runs for the loss of six wickets before the match ended under the DLS method.

Zimbabwe leads the series 1-0, leaving Pakistan with an uphill task to bounce back.

Ahead of the three-match series, Muhammad Rizwan said while talking to media that this ODI series against Zimbabwe is important for the national team. “We will test our bench strength in this series,” he said, adding, “We want to continue the historic win against Australia”.

This is Pakistan’s second ODI series this month, following their 2-1 victory over Australia on their soil. Additionally, this series marks Aqib Javed’s first as interim head coach of the white-ball team.